Fri, 20 Apr 2018 18:43:37 +0100WeeblyTue, 10 Apr 2018 08:46:21 GMThttp://meet19.weebly.com/enterprisesupport/the-clutter-academy-opens-its-doorsJust to let you that our own ClutterMeister (Tilo Flache) will now be hosting workshops in Brighton. If you, or any of your friends, want to really start decluttering your home, these sessions will offer new ideas and angles.

]]>Thu, 05 Apr 2018 17:09:31 GMThttp://meet19.weebly.com/enterprisesupport/need-trained-and-qualified-digital-staffFancy taking on an apprentice for the digital wings of your business? Check out this infographic from Creative Process Digital Apprenticeships. For more info contact Jean at the email address below...

For details: info@creativeprocessdigital.com or check out the website at www.creativeprocessdigital.com to discover more about it's partnership with the government and Brighton-based iCrossing

Just to let you know I'll be DJing on Feb 16th. It's eclectic Friday Night music and free entry, 9pm-1am. I will be taking donations and requests (that don't kill the night!) of a £1 to the Orangutan Foundation. Come on down if you're around. JWThe Mucky Duck, Manchester Street, Kemptown.

Jonny Wills explains why a musician's lot is not as easy as it seems and how a much-needed service can help those on the uncertain path in an insecure profession

In response to the arts being cut Churchill was purported to have said : 'Then what are we fighting for?' Sadly it's fake history and not what he said. The truth is: providing culture or succour for the soul through music has never been a priority for UK government or society, making it difficult for those trying to perform or make it. Perhaps the artist Winston's real quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts," is more apt for musicians to take solace from.

The true costMusicians don't get paid a lot – when they do – at local level especially, they are often expected to support their own expenses. This will include the hundreds of hours of rehearsal, practice, promotion, artwork, organisation and internet shenanigans. Not to mention instrument costs and maintenance, travel, equipment hire and rehearsal space fees. Added to this, when artists record they are often doing several unpaid jobs: producer, arranger, writer, performer, engineer, hustler, mastering technician, mixer... just at look U2's new album and you will see 10 producers plus a band and auxiliary staff to make an album – and they're multi-millionaires.

Vocational perspectiveYou may think musicians are trying to make it and only have themselves to blame for the delusion of wealthy reward, or that it's just an early phase for those paying their dues. The thing is many know that music is its own reward while many are waking up to the power of internet support and live circuits. Most definitely have to give up full-time work to do the stuff required to get anywhere. Others are more interested in being known as artistes and don't seek fame and fortune on a mass scale.

Some realise the percentages are against making vast fortunes, simply because the tiny number of those at the top even experience financial pitfalls: The Beatles ended up in court in the early 70s; Prince changed his name to to own his masters and receive remuneration due for mechanical royalty; and George Michael was famously defeated by Sony. And there are countless rip off stories and contract woes to relate from the so-called cutthroat 'music-industry'.

Quality dipIt's a situation compounded by formats turning accessibility into that of water and people expecting digital material free, which has resulted in the downturn of tuneful song – since the late 90s, after the money-controlled proliferation of package boybands and the X-Factory of automatons who are famous for Christmas, then disappear. Ever wondered why no one can answer those millennial pop questions in the pub or on the radio? Because that stuff is not for music fans. Wasn't hearing Bowie, Prince and even George Michael's music replayed everywhere after their respective passing exactly like the sun coming out?

Has the live circuit not been better and are not record sales on the rise? Both are changing, perhaps becoming more specialized or niche. But everyone, not just kids, are hungry for something more than Rotify playlists where artists recuperate $0.006 - $0.0084 of a penny per stream of a song. Input that to convert it into sterling in Google and it doesn't even bother to calculate anything. Do it, see for yourself, it comes up... nothing.

Help for musiciansOkay, passion rant over. But you can see why it's enough to drive anyone who loves music or has a calling to make it, mad. Perhaps you realise why sensitive souls get caught between seeking adoration and rehab or trapped working for a label all the time when finances are skewed towards the lenders and security is scarce. You probably know all this and have read to the end because you already know this stuff expecting an answer.

Well, the good news is there is now a support line for musicians (click link for detailed article). Set up by Music Minds Matter, if you or someone you know needs help or emotional support they can call 0808 802 8008 free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advice can also be got from emailing MMM@helpmusicians.org.uk (NB. 48-hour turnaround).

Please share this post and help them help us all makes all our lives better. Thank you.

Need an end to the stress?...Then this just might this be the answer for you. Plus, it's to do with dragons (!)... and supercoach Michael Neill's quote:

"The minute you see it's your own thought scaring you, it's not so scary."

Check out the video on YouTube above, and if you got something from it, definitely catch Parts Two and Three after, which get into more depth, including recognising your own thinking or HTR/LTR, high/low thought recognition.

What is thought recognition?Imagine a paranoid criminal who can't distinguish others' behaviour and is violent as a default response. This is because deep down they're always wary: this is low thought recognition. Often it's simply conditioned behaviour that merges all ideas into stress and makes thought recognition difficult.

We all know tolerance, patience and wiser understanding are a better path, but sometimes we feel and sometimes our situation means there isn't time to chase enlightenment. But just learning to recognise your trigger thoughts by practising higher thought recognition – seeing the difference between a real threat and a harmless, negative idea – is actually enough. Importantly for us, it's also quite a useful mindset or skill when feeling overwhelmed working on your own project, enterprise or business.

]]>Wed, 17 May 2017 12:01:56 GMThttp://meet19.weebly.com/enterprisesupport/subcontracting-know-your-operative-rightsHarry Taylor of Helix Law clarifies the differences and legal implications between being classed as self-employed (SE) or a worker when taking on subcontracts with a bigger firm

The kind of operative you are can affect your rights in the workplace

Trade businesses frequently use subcontractors to help meet the demand of their workload. Often there is no difficulty in establishing that subcontractors are self-employed and are therefore afforded no employment related rights against the contracting business.So if the relationship between the business and the subcontractor renders the latter a ‘worker’, then there are additional obligations that the business should be aware of.Uncertainty may arise when a company requires its operatives to carry out their work in a particular way, regardless of whether self-employed, a worker or otherwise. An important criterion is whether the operative has the unfettered right to provide a substitute to carry out their work. If the operative is allowed to substitute, but this ability has been limited by the employing company, then it is likely that the operative is a ‘worker’. For example, the employer may only allow for operatives to transfer work to fellow operatives.Additionally, It is not uncommon for tradesmen to contract with subcontractors verbally, without any written terms. It is also not uncommon for operatives to be assigned to work without express mention of any terms. Even in these circumstances, there may still be a contract by which the operative may be considered a ‘worker’ and not a self-employed subcontractor.

The court will take a holistic approach to the circumstances surrounding the relationship between the business and the operative. One potential aspect to look at is the extent to which the operative has been integrated into the business.An example of when operatives were classed as workersA recent case saw that the business advertised their operatives as being part of their brand so that consumers could associate the service offered with their company. The operatives were required to drive company branded vehicles and wear uniforms. However, their contract made clear that they were not employees, agents or partners of the company.

VerdictAlthough the operatives were required to provide their own insurance and tools, the court found that they were ‘workers’. The operative in question fell within this category and was entitled to protection against unlawful discrimination and, amongst other things, they were entitled to the minimum level of holiday pay.The relationship between the business and its operative does not solely depend on the terms of the contract. The court will look at the surrounding circumstances to assess the reality of the engagement. A self-employed contractor, having an unfettered entitlement to provide a substitute, should be seen to be an independent operative. While company logos on vehicles and uniforms promote the business, the court could see this as limiting the independent nature of the contract and could potentially render the operative as a ‘worker’. Likewise, the absence of the operative’s services could be another indicator of worker status.RecommendationTrade businesses should not only check the terms of their contracts with subcontractors but carefully assess the surrounding circumstances of their use of sub-contractors. If their independence is fettered in any way, it may be that the subcontractor is entitled to the rights of ‘worker’. Workers are entitled to protection from unlawful discrimination, including the failure to make reasonable adjustments.

Harry Taylor was a J B Montagu Scholar at Middle Temple. He was called to the Bar as a non-practicing barrister in 2014. Before joining Helix Law Harry gained commercial experience at a Tax advisory firm. He is currently studying for a Masters degree in Employment Law.

Disclaimer: This article is written to raise awareness of the issues it discusses and it may not be updated after it is first written, even if the law changes. It is not intended to be legal advice and cannot be relied on as such. Helix Law and Meet 19 are not responsible or liable for any action taken or not taken as a result of this article. If you think the matters set out affect you and you wish to apply them to your particular circumstances then we are happy to give you free initial telephone advice.

]]>Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:53:27 GMThttp://meet19.weebly.com/enterprisesupport/music-for-the-marathon-from-the-youngCheck out this initiative to inspire teenagers to get involved in live music, as seen at the Brighton marathon

One of the wonderful things about running the Brighton Marathon is that not only do the city come out to cheer and support your efforts, but throughout the course there are some special music stages designed to spur the amateur athletes on.

Here at Boundary Road, Portslade (Westest Hove, or mile 16-17 if you were running) I was deeply impressed by one such stage: the Shoreham Allstars set-up, an initiative to get youngsters aged 7-18 years out playing the music they love. The collective is based along the coast in Shoreham, Lancing and Worthing and featuring more than 25 bands in a mix of genres they do around 30 gigs a year. What's more impressive is that they've been going ten years, propelled by an offering music tuition and studio and live experience which seems well beyond value for money.

If you have kids into music why not check out their website? Speaking as a musician I was moved by the way everyone involved seemed to be so passionate. And I can't think of a better way for young people to such good real world music experience before the college and the pub, club and university circuit.

]]>Wed, 29 Mar 2017 11:24:15 GMThttp://meet19.weebly.com/enterprisesupport/what-we-mean-by-enterprise-supportIf you have something you'd like us to post send it to us via the mail icon at the top of this page. Click for three stories worth your or someone you know's attention

Jobs fair for employer and employee opportunities April 6th at the Brighton Dome is free

Brighton Jobs Fair, sponsored by The Argus. NHS, se1jobs and the National Careers Service is also covered by free tickets on EventBrite. At the Brighton Dome through the Church Street entrance it's on Thursday 6th April and starts at midday and finishes at 5pm. Best of luck!

Sussex campaign to reinstate special needs teacher gains momentum

Sam has been a dedicated teacher to children with autism and other difficulties for more than 16 years. It just so happens that when he got divorced it seems to have had alerted the immigration office; and so he subsequently lost his job for apparently not having the right to work here. Colleagues, students, and affected families and friends are devastated, so this is less a story about nationality and more about the effect his absence will have on an already high-pressurized education and special needs care environment. This story has now made the broadcast news both on BBC Sussex (1:10mins in) and BBC South East (Sam's story is at 20:30mins into the broadcast). There is something you can do you if you want to support him, you can simply sign the petition.

We've collated ten tips covering online presence, networking and enterprise mindset. Grab a coffee, take a break and click here to read more

Whether your chasing your tail or feeling overwhelmed the chances are you are already working hard enough. Also, and particularly if you're past 30, you are bound to have been round the block a few times. Chances are that if you stop for a minute you know what you need to do. So cut yourself some slack and check in with these suggestions below, add them to your list of things to try and see if you can't give your business a boost for Spring.

Online

1. Stop tinkering with your home page thinking it's going to change thingsIf you're 'a lemonade stall in a field' what difference does it make changing your sign or colours?Stop focusing on thinking design changes will do it, it's constant updates that prove you're the expert that will bring people to your business. Think blogging, think materials that are serialised or events to be put on a simple calendar and link to an updating social media page.

2. Practise using meta keywords for SEOGoogle this for more and search for videos on YouTube to explain this to you. Essentially, for every post and update you need to be putting meta keywords in the back-end of your website for search robots to find your content. And you need to get used to doing it and building a list.

3. Research latent semantic keywordingAdd your meta keywords to a list of of phrases you find when you search with them: They will appear in the drop-down boxes of the search engines as you type. Keep adding to and storing this list. How many keywords do you need? Well, how many different ways do you think you can be searched?

4. And take being online seriouslyYour website is your business repeated running in parallel with what you do during the week out and about or in the office. You need to treat a website like another outlet or reception, that is global and open 24/7.

Networking

5. Multiply leads with associatesTimes your lead gathering by 5, 10, 15. How? Attend more events, search online and find more of the same kind of the one associate that is bringing you leads, no matter if in the end they are coming up trumps or not. We're talking a business that can dovetails yours and vice versa. Also ask how they are getting those leads and look to duplicate that process with another by offering to suggest the technique.

6. Identify a sector mentor who's doing what you want to doEmulate their work ethic, strategy and get in touch with them. Let them guide you. They most likely will be flattered, as long as you are not in their business proximity.

7. Contact your industry bodies and get accreditedBlog for them if possible. Jump ahead and do things they're behind on like new technological innovations and point them to you. This will make you the spokesperson for this change in your industry.

8. Set up a Meetup group Provide regular seminars, workshops, surgery or event that proves your expertise. Yes, it can seem like therapy at times, but everything you do in the time live with potential clients is pure marketing for your enterprise. Plus you can charge for tickets. Here's the site.

Mindset

9. Keep your chin upIt's tempting to re-focus frustrating moments into a meaning about your whole life. The success route involves you chipping away, and this is what tough can look like. Don't be distracted by unhelpful negative spins of thoughts. Remember, as I said before, we're already rich. Financially it's a true statement that much of the world's population have it far worse and without the opportunities.

10. Realise your self worthWhere are your problems coming from and could you improve yourself and so improve your service? So, are you in the way of your business dreams or are your dreams in your way? If you set your work/life balance to be a more relaxed approach, then stay relaxed. Conversely, if you thrive on pressure, enjoy using up your nervous energy. Just respect others and lay a trail of inspiration, otherwise people won't return. Just think of all those people who were either unprepared or too pushy who put you off. Try this excellent 'inside-out' perspective from transformative coach Clare Dimond.

There will be around 10 groups of kids, from schools in the Brighton area, showcasing the businesses they have setup. This is the most incredible thing to see, how the guys have grown over the short time and some of the innovative and wonderful products and services they bring to market.

Join me for the evening, you won't regret it.You may even want to get involved.​That's the idea.

You'll need to register your attendance (here). It's free and numbers are limited, so only register if you are definitely available.